Get ready to elevate your salad game with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite! Our Grilled Caesar Salad Shrimp combines the rich, creamy flavors of traditional Caesar dressing with the smoky goodness of perfectly grilled shrimp and romaine lettuce. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they grill nicely without excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other components of the salad.
- While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Next, prepare the romaine lettuce. Rinse the head of romaine under cold water and pat it dry. Cut the romaine in half lengthwise to create two halves. This will allow for better grilling and presentation.
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated shrimp on the grill. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long.
- While the shrimp is grilling, place the romaine halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes until the lettuce is slightly charred and wilted, adding a smoky flavor to the salad.
- Once the shrimp and romaine are done grilling, remove them from the grill and set them aside to cool slightly.
- To assemble the salad, place the grilled romaine halves on two plates. Drizzle additional Caesar dressing over the lettuce to taste, and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Top the salad with the grilled shrimp, arranging them attractively over the romaine. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire salad for a zesty finish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the shrimp and lettuce are warm, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the shrimp in the Caesar dressing a few hours ahead of grilling. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the shrimp and romaine. This ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Don't Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling. They only need 2-3 minutes per side to turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Charred Perfection: For the romaine, grilling until slightly charred adds a delightful smoky flavor. Just a couple of minutes on each side is all you need!
- Garnish Wisely: Finish your salad with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for an extra pop of flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair your salad with a glass of chilled white wine for a refreshing meal that feels like a special occasion.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 250mg
